The awful killing of George Floyd has created a call for justice that has gone around the world and has led to protests and deep reflection within our city. I’ve had several people ask “how we should pray?” in response to these events, and whilst LondonPrayer’s voice is not the one needing to be heard at this point, my reflections are below.
As I prayed leading up to what I felt would be a significant Pentecost I was drawn to Matthew 3 where John talks to the religious and political leaders before Jesus is baptized. John describes that there is a baptism of fire coming which we celebrate at Pentecost, but also that these is an axe being laid at the root. So my prayer leading up to Pentecost was for God to release His Spirit with fresh fire that would enable systemic issues within our city to be dealt with.
Firstly, we need to listen. The voice of protest and a call for justice needs to be heard. I have had several conversations within organisations and with friends
We need to weep. Hearing the stories of systemic injustice and racism within our city and even the church as well as reflecting upon the City’s role in history in financing itself through injustice should break our hearts in lament. I’ve found I’ve wept in the place of prayer many times over the past few weeks.
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercry.
We need to examine our own hearts and ruthlessly purge any wicked way or blindness to injustice that God highlights to us.
We need to speak. This may be to use voice in whatever sphere of influence we have to “do Justly” but it also need to be in pray. Some suggestions for prayer are:
- For the impact of historic roots of injustice within London to be removed
- For current patterns and behaviour of racism and injustice to stop. Pray specifically for the different areas of London’s life – for this to be true in its offices, board rooms, schools, streets, courts, media etc.
- For the culture of life within London to reflect that of Heaven – for a unity of love between all.
- For the church in London to effectively demonstrate and model the unity of Jesus’ prayer in John 17.
- For London’s financial and business dealings globally to be in line with the plumbline of God’s righteousness and justice. That trade and business from London which is unjust and leads to global oppression would cease.
- For the protests happening in London to be used to shake and expose every root and structure that needs to be removed or change.
- That the protests are peaceful. This coming weekend (12-13/6) there are counter-protests organised by right-wing groups and there are concerns about violence. (UPDATE 12/6: Tomorrow’s official march has been called off due to these concerns).
